Welcome

Jean’s latest novel, Still Time, is about a Shakespeare scholar’s attempts to come to terms with his life and reconcile with his estranged daughter as he struggles with Alzheimer’s disease. An intellectual and emotional tour de force that confronts—and transcends—our fears of aging and memory loss, Still Time has received enthusiastic acclaim from Shakespeare scholars as well as from readers who are indifferent (or even allergic) to Shakespeare.

Into the Forest, the story of two sisters struggling to survive after the collapse of technological society, has been translated into over a dozen languages since it was first published in 1997. The French translation, which was released in January, 2017, has become a French best-seller.

Jean enjoys presenting at writers conferences and workshops; check the events page or look below for information on upcoming events.

A native of Washington state, Jean lives in northern California on 55 acres of second-growth forest. She has taught creative and literature for many years, both in California and abroad. She is always at work on another book.

If you're looking for a great writers' conference this summer, come to the Kachemak Bay Conference in Homer, Alaska. My only complaint about teaching there is that I will be dying to attend all these other writers' workshops. ... See more

If you want to be fired up, then come on down to Copperfields in Petaluma this Thursday (4/19)! I'll be sharing my thoughts about how common the traits, mindsets, and conditions required to write well really are, and describing what we writers can do to nurture those qualities in ourselves. ... See more

Bay Area Pals, I get to talk with Gayle Greene about her new memoir MISSING PERSONS this Sunday in San Rafael. MISSING PERSONS's mix of candor, humor, and wisdom will speak to anyone who has ever lost a loved one--as well as to anyone who has a loved one to lose. ... See more

Dear North County Pals, I'll be talking about what it is that writers do for the Cloverdale Performing Art's "Books on Stage" program on March 8th. It would be swell to see you there, if you happen to be free ... See more

The newly-released issue of BRIEF CANDLE (http://lastsyllablepress.storenvy.com/products/22386543-brief-candle-issue-iv), a fab zine whose goal is to involve the groundlings in lively conversations about Shakespeare includes a very gratifying review of STILL TIME: http://jean-hegland.com/book/still-time/ ... See more

I just finished another grand tour around Bordeaux and Provence for "Dans la fôrət," Edition Gallmeister's and Josette Chicheportiche's excellent translation of "Into the Forest." Here are a few photos of some of the good times I had. ... See more